The Sino-German Research Training Group (GRK 2309) “Geo-ecosystems in transition on the Tibetan Plateau” (TransTiP) (https://www.tu-braunschweig.de/irtg-transtip/) offers a research-oriented doctoral program analyzing different aspects of Earth surface fluxes on the Tibetan Plateau in three distinct project areas: Sediment fluxes, carbon fluxes, water fluxes and water quality. TransTiP is jointly run by Technische Universität Braunschweig, Leibniz Universität Hannover, and Friedrich Schiller Universität Jena, in cooperation with the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research and Lanzhou University in China.

The Tibetan Plateau is of crucial importance for the global hydrological, energy and element cycles and represents one of the most vulnerable geo-ecosystems on Earth, being affected by accelerated climate warming and rapid intensification in land use. The scientific goals of TransTiP are to (a) quantify rates and magnitudes of sediment movement and transport, (b) identify the impact of land-use change on soil organic carbon storage and associated carbon fluxes, and (c) determine how these processes have affected water balances, geo-ecosystem services, and biodiversity patterns.

For the start as of October 1st 2019, TransTiP is now offering:

1 PhD position (3 years, 50-100%) in the field of “S5: Sediment flux analysis based on cosmogenic nuclides”

We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified early career researcher interested to work in the wide field of geobiosciences. In addition to the general requirements (see below), the successful candidate for this Ph.D. student position has well documented experience in preparation, laboratory measurements or data analysis related to cosmogenic nuclide analysis. Experiences in high mountain environments are most welcome in order to conduct field work.

We expect:

  • Excellent University degree (equivalent diploma/master) with expertise in geophysical or environmental sciences, or related fields
  • Strong scientific motivation
  • Strong affection to acquire interdisciplinary work and research experience
  • Fluent verbal and written English communication skills
  • Participation in the qualification program of the Research Training Group
  • Test of scientific communication and personal motivation; short-listed applicants will be invited to present and discuss their MSc-thesis work in English

We offer:

  • Exciting modern research projects in well-equipped laboratories using state-of-the-art technologies
  • Tandems of German and Chinese Teams with an at least six-month stay in the partner institution
  • Professional and efficient supervision secured by a thesis advisory committee
  • Doctoral thesis associated with an individually tailored qualification program
  • A communicative atmosphere within an excellent scientific network
  • Mutual exchange with a broad range of institutions and participation in international and national conferences and workshops.

Application deadline: August 15th 2019

Skype interviews are planned for qualified applicants for the period between 20. and 23. August 2019.

For any further information concerning the positions, project description, as well as requirements and application process refer to https://www.tu-braunschweig.de/irtg-transtip.

Please submit your application (in English), consisting of one pdf-document, via email to transtip@tu-braunschweig.de. The application should include the following information:

  • CV, transcripts, certificates, summaries of BSc and MSc thesis, and contact details of two academic teachers/supervisors willing to provide reference letters.
  • For PhD candidates: letter of motivation, scientific interest and personal aptitude for selected thesis topics (candidates may apply for a primary and secondary choice)

It is highly recommended to also submit any additional information which you consider important for your application (e.g. publications, job references, certificates of workshops etc.) as well as a certificate to prove English language proficiency (e.g. TOEFL), if available.

For more information please contact Dr. Nicole Börner (transtip@tu-braunschweig.de) or PD Dr. J. Baade (cub@uni-jena.de)